The evaluation of space in homes: A facet study

Abstract Following an extensive literature review it was hypothesized that a person's evaluation of space in homes is influenced by four issues; the relationship to privacy, the activities conducted, the area of the home evaluated, and the presence of, and relationship to, people. Facet theory and its associated methods of analysis allowed the structure and relationships between these relevant issues (facets) to be examined. Using facet theory a mapping sentence was constructed to show the relationship between the facets and to generate questions which were included in an interview style survey. As very few studies have been made of space in homes, and as of those conducted most have used simulation techniques, the survey was conducted in the participant's own home. Owner-occupiers of homes of different type (e.g. bungalow, detached house, terraced house) and number of bedrooms, built between 1981 and 1985 in five regions of England were interviewed ( n = 456). Individuals living alone were excluded from the sample for the present analysis, giving n = 328. The rooms in the home were to be ordered in terms of how personal or social they are. Satisfaction with the level of privacy was shown to be distinguished from satisfaction with the amount of space. Privacy was shown to be particularly associated with conducting activities requiring peace and quiet in the bedroom.